In a recent turn of events, Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, faced a challenging situation when he was allegedly prevented from entering a gurudwara in Glasgow, Scotland, by a group of Sikh activists. The incident has added fuel to the ongoing diplomatic tension between India and Canada, with echoes of the Khalistan issue in the background.
The incident unfolded when a video, purportedly posted on the Instagram channel of 'Sikh Youth UK,' captured a man, believed to be a pro-Khalistani activist, obstructing Doraiswami's entry into the Glasgow gurdwara located on Albert Drive.
Reacting to the incident, prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa strongly condemned the actions of the activists. He emphasized that gurudwaras are open to people of all religions and communities and expressed the Sikh community's commitment to peace and humanity. Sirsa also highlighted Prime Minister Modi's acknowledgment of the Sikh community's contributions and global representation.
The video also captured a protester's voice, presumably stating, "They are hurting Sikhs in Canada and other places, every Sikh should protest against any Indian Ambassador like we did here in Glasgow."
News agency ANI reported that the issue has been formally raised with the UK Foreign Office and the local police for investigation.
The video footage also showed two individuals near the diplomat's car in the parking area. One of them appeared to be attempting to open the car door, which was locked from the inside. The video concluded with the high commissioner's car departing from the Gurudwara premises.
It is worth noting that Doraiswami had a planned meeting with the Glasgow Gurdwara committee, which had been scheduled for the day.
This incident comes at a time when diplomatic tensions are escalating between India and Canada. The tensions began after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made claims suggesting India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India swiftly rejected these allegations, deeming them "absurd" and "motivated." As a response, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, mirroring Ottawa's earlier expulsion of an Indian official over the same case.
Earlier this year, another incident of violence occurred outside the Indian High Commission in London. During this event, a pro-Khalistan activist climbed onto a balcony and removed the national flag from a pole at the front of the building. This action led to a series of retaliatory measures, including the removal of security barricades and vehicles from outside the British High Commission and the high commissioner's residence in New Delhi. These actions were taken in response to concerns about the security situation at the Indian High Commission in London.
